The truth is that mainly intolerant values, principles and sentiments of nationalism and xenophobia, instilled in the collective mind of millions of Americans have persevered and, still today, are a very important part of the identity of the nation. In a series of very influential papers published by Jay and Hamilton (the latter considered Father of the U.S. Constitution), which paved the way for the ratification of the Constitution of the United States, one can find expressed sentiments in line with those of segregation and the rejection of foreign peoples:

“Providence has given this country to people descended from the same ancestors that speak the same language, profess the same religion and endorse the same government principles”.

Not only can we observe slight notes of incipient intolerance in the preceding passage written by John Jay, but also, by observing the events that led to the foundation of one of the most prosperous countries in the world, we can find innumerable examples of this phenomenon, plastered all over American History.

During the colonization process of the Americas, enslavement and genocide of indigenous peoples in the name of God were common currency. Whichever the point in history may be, we could always find examples that support the theory that America is built upon a hill of intolerance, either through plain genocide or through less violent methods of eradication of the non-white communities. In 1630, English Puritans that fled to America established themselves in the colonies and settlements in the New England area.

One of the most important and influential colonies was the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The form of government was a theocracy and power was exercised in a rather authoritarian fashion. These religiously conservative methods heavily influenced other colonies in the New England region as well. John Winthrop was a European, an Englishman and the founder of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.